As Newcastle United gears up for the new Premier League campaign, head coach Eddie Howe has sent a clear message: he wants players who truly want to be at the club.
This comes amid uncertainty around striker Alexander Isak’s future, with the Swedish forward reportedly eager to move to Liverpool.
Isak’s Absence and Transfer Request Shake Up Newcastle
Isak isn’t training with the squad right now and won’t feature in Newcastle’s season opener against Aston Villa next weekend.
The striker has made it clear to both Howe and the club that he wants a move, but Newcastle won’t sell unless they secure a replacement and get an acceptable offer from Liverpool.
A £110 million bid was recently turned down, signaling how highly valued Isak is.
Howe’s hope is that Isak will change his mind and stay, but the coach admits that’s probably unlikely.
He also reiterated that players who don’t want to be at Newcastle aren’t part of his plan.
Howe’s Honest Take on the Situation
When asked if he could convince Isak to stay, Howe was straightforward: “If it was that easy, I’d have done it yesterday.”
The manager confirmed that after talks with Isak, it was clear the striker couldn’t train or play with the team under current circumstances.
Howe emphasized, “I want him training and playing for us, but both sides have to be on the same page.”
Club Ownership Holds the Final Say
Ultimately, the decision to sell or keep Isak lies with Newcastle’s Saudi owners.
While the official line remains that Isak isn’t for sale, there’s also recognition within the club that a sale—on their terms—might benefit everyone in the long run.
That’s why Newcastle are actively pursuing potential replacements like Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko.
Howe says he’s focused on managing the players he has and preparing for the season ahead, while the bigger decisions rest with others.
Pre-Season Struggles and Injury Worries
Newcastle’s pre-season ended on a disappointing note with a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, finishing the build-up with four defeats and two draws from six matches.
To add to the concerns, winger Anthony Gordon, who is expected to step up in Isak’s absence, suffered an ankle twist late in that game. Howe hopes it’s nothing serious.
New Signing Boost and Striker Hunt Remain Priorities
There was brighter news off the pitch as Newcastle agreed a £34.3 million deal to bring in Milan defender Malick Thiaw, who is set to undergo a medical soon.
But the focus remains squarely on finding a new striker before the season kicks off.
Howe acknowledges the fans’ worries about not having a reliable goalscorer yet but insists the team can still win games by fine-tuning the small details and improving overall performance.
Howe’s Balanced View Amid Summer Turmoil
Reflecting on the turbulent summer, Howe stresses the importance of staying balanced.
He says things are never as bad or as good as they seem and that Newcastle are in new territory dealing with these challenges.
He believes tough moments can forge something special if the team comes through them stronger.
His priority is ensuring the squad is focused, resilient, and able to block out the negative noise from speculation and external pressures.